Report examines the construction industry’s shift toward data-driven safety

Bedford, MA — Data-driven safety is “still emerging” in the construction industry, according to a recently released report published by Dodge Data & Analytics and The Blue Book Network.

Safety Management in the Construction Industry 2021, developed in partnership with CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training and several other organizations, is based on data collected from an online survey of 282 contractors administered from May 11 to June 25. The survey included questions about using data and technology to enhance workplace safety.

Around one-quarter of the contractors said using observation data from jobsite imagery is essential to a successful safety program, while 21% believe the same about predictive analytics. Only 19% ranked “making better use of safety data” as a top way to improve their safety program.

“It will be critical to track whether these types of practices gain in importance as more contractors become familiar with the tools that allow them to capitalize on data to improve safety,” the report states.

Wearable sensors were cited as the technology with most positive impact on worker safety and health (34%), just ahead of virtual reality for training (32%). Predictive analytics (28%), remotely controlled equipment (26%) and virtual monitoring with artificial intelligence (25%) rounded out the top five.